Uncommitted Delegates at the DNC: A Voice for Change in U.S. Policy Towards Gaza

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago is witnessing a significant shift in the political landscape as a group of “uncommitted” delegates steps forward with a clear message: “Help us help you.” These delegates, who earned their spots by rallying against President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza, are now making their presence felt at the DNC. With Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and Kamala Harris now leading the Democratic ticket, the stakes are higher than ever. The delegates believe that without addressing the concerns of the antiwar voters who elected them, Harris’s chances in the upcoming election may be at risk.

The Rise of the “Uncommitted” Movement
The movement behind the “uncommitted” delegates began with the Listen to Michigan campaign, a grassroots effort encouraging protest votes in the Democratic primaries. Initially gaining traction in Michigan, the movement quickly went national, with delegates from states like Hawaii, Washington, and Minnesota joining the cause. Their primary demand: a commitment to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an arms embargo against Israel.

The movement’s impact is not just in its numbers but in the message it carries. As Yaz Kader, a delegate from Washington state, explains, the “uncommitted” movement is about using the civic tool of voting to protest the atrocities in Gaza. Kader, like many other delegates, believes that political pressure can be applied from within the system. “The Democratic base here is in agreement with us. We can make those changes,” he asserts.

The Weight of Responsibility
For many of these delegates, their role at the DNC carries a heavy responsibility. Abbas Alawieh, a delegate from Michigan and a leader of the “uncommitted” movement, feels the weight of representing voters who demand a change in U.S. policy towards Gaza. Alawieh’s sense of duty extends beyond the political realm, touching on personal connections to the conflict. He speaks of the responsibility he feels towards his Palestinian community members, as well as his own family in south Lebanon, who are directly affected by the ongoing violence.

Similarly, Sabrene Odeh, a delegate from Washington state, describes the experience of being a Palestinian American during the war on Gaza as “incredibly depressing.” Yet, she also sees her role at the convention as a “huge honor,” representing the supporters of Palestinian rights. Odeh’s message is clear and unwavering: the violence must end, and an arms embargo must be imposed.

A Movement Beyond Delegates
The impact of the “uncommitted” delegates extends beyond their presence at the convention. Jeremiah Ellison, a Minneapolis City Council member and a delegate at the DNC, emphasizes that the movement is not just about the delegates themselves but about a broader constituency within the Democratic Party. He dismisses the idea that the “uncommitted” movement could inadvertently aid Donald Trump, arguing that their participation in the DNC is precisely to push the party to adopt popular policies that resonate with the Democratic base.

Shay Chan Hodges, an uncommitted delegate from Hawaii, echoes this sentiment. She stresses that Kamala Harris’s success in the election hinges on listening to the concerns of young voters, particularly regarding the war in Gaza. Chan Hodges, like many others, believes that the future of the Democratic Party lies in its ability to connect with and energize its base, especially the younger generation.

The Stakes in Michigan
One of the key battlegrounds for the upcoming election is Michigan, a state with a significant Arab and Muslim population. Rima Mohammad, a delegate from Michigan, warns that Harris could lose the state if she fails to take a strong stance on Gaza. The “uncommitted” movement’s success in Michigan, particularly in areas like Washtenaw County, underscores the deep dissatisfaction with Washington’s support for Israel. Mohammad’s concern is clear: without a firm commitment to a ceasefire and an arms embargo, Harris’s chances in Michigan — and possibly the entire election — could be in jeopardy.